Shai Hills Safari & Lake Volta Cruise: Wildlife & Lunch

Historical caves in Shai Hills once sheltered entire communities during tribal wars.

A full-day private tour from Accra combines a guided walking safari through Shai Hills National Park (home to baboons, antelopes, zebras and ostriches) with a boat cruise on Lake Volta, the world's largest man-made lake. Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle bookend the day. Lunch is served at the lakefront. The minimum age is 12.

Step-by-step itinerary

Safari and boat cruise near Accra

• Drive from Accra to Shai Hills National Park
• Explore wildlife and historical caves
• Enjoy boat ride on Lake Volta
• Have lunch at the lakefront
• Return to Accra before dark

The experience

The day starts with a two-hour drive from Accra through the countryside to Shai Hills National Park, the closest national park to the capital. A guide leads you on foot through the reserve to spot wildlife (baboons, antelopes, zebras, ostriches and fruit-eating bats move through the landscape), and to explore the historical caves carved into the hillside. These caves sheltered local tribesmen during wars centuries ago and remain a tangible record of the region's past. Rock climbing is available as an optional add-on if you want to scale the rock formations. Guests with mobility concerns can skip this part and continue with the walking sections instead.

After the safari, you board a private boat for a cruise on Lake Volta, Africa's largest man-made lake. Lunch is served at the lakefront (either before or after the boat ride, depending on the group's preference) with vegetarian and vegan options available. The boat ride itself is unhurried. The point is to sit with the water and the countryside around you. Once the cruise winds down, the drive back to Accra begins while daylight holds, arriving at your hotel or residence by evening.

What’s included

• Hotel or residence pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• guided walking safari through Shai Hills National Park.
• private boat cruise on Lake Volta.
• lunch at the lakefront.
• bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ghana Must Go Tours

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or local transport to reach Shai Hills: the guide and driver handle the two-hour journey from Accra. This works well if you're staying in the city center or elsewhere without a rental, since the full day is contained in one booking from your door.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I see on the walking safari at Shai Hills?

Shai Hills is home to baboons, antelopes, zebras, ostriches, fruit-eating bats and other bird species. The guide leads you through the reserve on foot to spot them in their habitat.

What is Lake Volta and why is it significant?

Lake Volta is the world's largest man-made lake and the second largest in Africa. The boat cruise takes you across its waters to experience the serene countryside and water views while you eat lunch at the lakefront.

Can I skip the rock climbing if I'm not comfortable with it?

Yes. Rock climbing is optional, and guests with mobility concerns or who simply prefer not to climb can skip it and continue with the walking portions of the safari instead.

How long is the drive from Accra to Shai Hills?

The drive takes about two hours each way. Hotel or residence pickup is included, and the vehicle is fully air-conditioned for comfort.

What food options are available for lunch?

Lunch is served at the lakefront and includes vegetarian and vegan options alongside the standard menu. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.